Mianus River Gorge (MRG) is closing in on an important acquisition for an 11-acre parcel bordered on three sides by the Mianus River Gorge Preserve. With recent funding commitments including from The Nature Conservancy, MRG needs $275,000 more to fully fund its highest priority property. This critical parcel features rare species of flora and fauna, healthy wetlands habitat, and, most impressive, a rock outcropping on its eastern-most boundary. The rock outcropping known as High Tor hangs over the steep slopes that descend to the Mianus River far below. High Tor–tor meaning a high craggy hill in Middle English–has been on the MRG’s list of property deemed critical to protect for over 30 years.
MRG has received generous leadership support from several local private foundations and individual donors, including a $50,000 gift from The Nature Conservancy. MRG and the Conservancy have a long, shared history that dates back to the original land parcel preserved in the heart of the Mianus River Gorge. That property, saved from development by local citizens, became the first land conservation project of the Conservancy back in 1953.
“It was sixty-five years ago that concerned citizens and the newly formed Nature Conservancy banded together to protect the centuries-old hemlock forest in the Mianus River Gorge in what was to become the Conservancy’s first land protection project,” said Jim Attwood, Chair of The Nature Conservancy’s New York State Board of Trustees. “The Nature Conservancy is a proud partner and happy to support the Mianus River Gorge to ensure the protection of this special place for generations to come.”
“It is wonderful to extend our long partnership and very gratifying to receive this gift,” notes Mianus River Gorge Board of Trustees Chairman Tim Evnin.
The acquisition of High Tor will not only protect it from development but will safeguard numerous wetlands, vernal pools, and underground streams that feed the Mianus River. This property also will serve as a significant buffer to the unique old-growth forest comprised of 400-year-old hemlocks and it will act as a vital corridor for the movement of wildlife throughout the area.
Land preservation is at the very heart of Mianus River Gorge’s mission to preserve, protect and promote appreciation of the natural heritage of the Mianus River watershed through land acquisition and conservation, scientific research, and public education throughout the region. Over its 65-year history, Mianus River Gorge has successfully completed over 200 land projects and protects over 1,200 acres of land in the Mianus River Watershed.
As a 501 (c) (3), not-for-profit organization, Mianus River Gorge relies solely on donors like you to fulfill its mission. To donate to the High Tor Fund, please note the specific instructions below when you visit the “To Donate” page. THANK YOU!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!